|
PRESS RELEASE
ASSEMBLYMAN |
|
||
|
|
|
|||
|
||||
|
Public Media Advocates and Lawmakers to Denounce Verizon's Attempt to Deny Localities Ability to Negotiate TV Franchise Agreements Move by Verizon comes as their efforts to get special treatment at federal level failed, focus is now on Albany in process that will cost localities millions in lost franchise fees and reduce competition |
|
WHO: |
Lawmakers, public media advocates, Capital District Worker Center, Alliance for Community Media NY, Manhattan Neighborhood Network, Brooklyn Information and Culture, Penfield TV, Rochester Community TV, Community Media on Hudson, BronxNet, others |
WHAT: |
Verizon's push for legislation that will give them unfair advantage in its attempt to compete with cable television in the residential digital telecommunication market will have the impact of: denying municipalities the ability to negotiate franchise agreements; costing local governments millions; will destroy public access stations; and allow Verizon to deny services to low-income communities. |
WHERE: |
LCA Press Room, Room 130, Legislative Office Building |
WHEN: |
Wednesday, March 21st, 2007 at 9:15 AM |
WHY: |
Verizon, in a move to unfairly compete with cable television providers for the lucrative digital telecommunications market is pushing Albany lawmakers for changes in state law that would allow them to circumvent negotiations with local governments in establishing their services. At the same time, Verizon's proposal will allow them to offer their services to only high-income communities. Verizon's plan would increase cost of services to low-income and moderate-income communities and will leave local governments without any ability to negotiate for services on behalf of consumers. Verizon's plan will have the effect of increasing the digital divide between rich and poor communities, between urban and rural areas, and will decrease competition in communities across New York State.
Contacts: |
|
BACK |